mental health workers in big agencies and non- profits, as well as outpatient clinics. The first class began its coursework in September 2017. 鈥淲e know from our conversations with large human service agencies that the need is there,鈥� says Abelard. 鈥淭hese agencies are seeking our guidance to create a development strategy to attract and retain a more educated, diverse workforce. We have also identified a great number of students working in human service agencies who need a pathway to obtaining a bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥� William James started building the program two years ago. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a program with unique flexibility, built on an innate understanding of the rigors of working full-time while trying to earn a college degree,鈥� says Berman. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a hybrid model in which students enter and progress through the three-year program in the same cohort. That allows them to work and study together and support one another.鈥� Classes are held online, with on-campus classes held one or one-and-a-half Saturdays a month. Each year is composed of three semesters with two courses, a six-week break each summer and a field placement experience in the final year. One hundred hours of internship is required, accrued in increments of four to six hours a week. If students work in a field related to the program, they may be able to accrue field hours in their current position. Only a small number of schools offering psychology and counseling programs have put together a comprehensive offering that is this agile and relevant.鈥� Yousef AlAjarma, PhD 16 RAPPORT | Feature Story